Could it be that Aha is about to become the new Trailblaze Aeon? How exciting! Ahahahaha…
After a brief moment of contemplation, Aha understood the reason for the sudden surge of Trailblaze power. There was only one explanation: He had spread the Path system—a power unique to the Tree-Sea Multiverse—to another world.
Bai Shuran's world existed outside the Tree-Sea Multiverse and had no concept of Paths. By recruiting Bai Shuran as an Elation Emissary, Aha had not only gained a new follower but also imprinted a trace of the Path concept onto the spirit-revival world.
Though this trace was too faint to fully connect the world to the Path of Trailblaze, Aha's actions still fulfilled the Path's core tenets: exploring the unknown and forging connections. Thus, the feedback from the Path was only natural.
This transmission of the Path concept also allowed Aha to take a monumental leap forward on the Path of Trailblaze, surpassing even its founder, Akivili. After all, even Akivili, the Trailblaze Aeon, had never ventured beyond the Tree-Sea Multiverse.
This unparalleled achievement was the primary reason for the 10% surge in Aha's Trailblaze power.
Once he grasped this, Aha readily accepted the situation.
Hehehe… In that case, should I take on Akivili's form and mess with the Conductor?
Would the Conductor burst into tears if they saw me? Ahahahaha…
Just thinking about it is hilarious…
As Aha schemed about how to exploit his newfound power for amusement, the battle below was about to erupt.
While Bai Shuran was absorbing the Elation Power, Gu Ruoli had already prepared the ability she intended to use:
Xiao Shi's Power Imprint Card.
The moment Bai Shuran turned around, Gu Ruoli decisively drew the card from her Spirit Seal. With a thought, the fifth Spirit Ring behind her lit up, emitting a dark glow.
In her hand appeared the Herrscher of Sentience Imprint Card, depicting Xiao Shi in her Herrscher form.
"Xiao Shi, bless me with victory in this match," Gu Ruoli murmured, gazing at the card.
After her silent prayer, she clenched her fist.
The card shattered like fragile glass, dissolving into countless motes of light. Instead of scattering or vanishing, the light surged toward Gu Ruoli, enveloping her entirely in a radiant sphere.
By now, Bai Shuran had fully turned around, eyeing Gu Ruoli with keen interest.
The moment the sphere solidified, a pair of ruthless hands tore through it, reducing it to dissipating sparks.
What emerged was Gu Ruoli—now clad in the Herrscher of Sentience's attire.
Audience Stands
The crowd erupted at the sight of Gu Ruoli's transformation.
"Whoaaaa! That's Xiao Shi's outfit! Too bad it's not the real Xiao Shi!"
"Wait, does her Martial Spirit just let her cosplay?"
"Probably more than that. If she's daring to challenge that guy, she must have a trick up her sleeve."
"So this isn't just a visual change?"
"Exactly."
"Holy crap, does that mean she's basically Xiao Shi now? Can she use the Taixu Sword God technique?"
"Likely. Otherwise, why bother transforming?"
"But even if she can, how does that counter Tyrant Song's Gaze?"
"Right!!"
"Uh, hello? Herrscher Authority? The Herrscher of Sentience controls consciousness, remember? That might work."
"Oh… I totally forgot. Xiao Shi punches things so much, I keep thinking she's a berserker, not a mage."
"Same. Blame her for using fists more than her Authority."
"Oho, new skin? So cool! I want one too (ω)."
Bai Shuran stared at Gu Ruoli's new attire, eyes gleaming with envy.
"But why does this outfit feel familiar…?"
Before he could recall where he'd seen it, Gu Ruoli was already charging at him, fists raised.
She had no time to waste. Though her Infinite Sigil had no time limit for borrowed powers, it still drained her Spirit Power. As a mere First Revolution Divine Ring Master (53rd rank), her energy reserves were far from infinite.
The sooner she ended this, the better.
The moment she transformed, Gu Ruoli activated Xiao Shi's Martial Spirit:
Beloved Halo.
Assuming the stance of the Taixu Fist Art, she lunged at Bai Shuran.
Bai Shuran blinked in surprise.
Is she always this reckless?
Does she not know I have Tyrant Song's Gaze?
"First Spirit Ability: Tyrant Song's—"
As Gu Ruoli closed in, Bai Shuran calmly prepared to unleash his skill—only to freeze.
He couldn't muster even a shred of hostility toward her.
Noticing his bewilderment, Gu Ruoli smirked.
Do you even understand what the Beloved Halo is, punk?
[Beloved Halo: Xiao Shi's Martial Spirit.
Effect: With this Martial Spirit, you become the beloved of all living beings. None can bear to harm you; instead, you receive their utmost favor.]
(End of Chapter)